Famous Fortune Fights!
by Andy & Danielle Mayoras

Actor Dennis Hopper, at 73 years of age, is dying from cancer. To make matters worse, he is battling in a nasty divorce that pits his three adult children, from prior marriages, against his wife, Victoria Duffy-Hopper (she's number five for Hopper, if you're keeping score), over whether she'll inherit anything when he passes. Here is The Probate Lawyer Blog's prior article on the case.

Previously, the judge had granted Hopper a restraining order to keep his wife away, based on a doctor's report that her presence was harmful to his health.

A couple days ago, the judge reversed course and ruled that Duffy-Hopper could live at Hopper's Venice, California property (but at a different house than Hopper) and that he was to pay $12,000 per month in spousal and child support, as well as $200,000 to her for legal and accountant fees.

But what about the battle over her inheritance? That is yet to come. Reportedly, the couple signed a prenuptial agreement before they wed 14 years ago, that called for her to lose her inheritance if they were divorced or were living apart. And there's a court hearing set for May to determine how to divide his life insurance policy.

Family feuds over inheritances -- especially in second-marriage situations -- are very common. The odd part about this one is that the person whose money is being fought over is still alive and competent. While Hopper was too ill to attend the court hearing, his three adult children did, on his behalf (along with his lawyer of course).

The divorce judge finds the whole situation odd as well. She sternly lectured the two sides to put aside their differences, because the seven-year-old daughter was already losing her father and all the fighting certainly won't help her get through it.

Inheritance fights can come in all shapes and sizes. If you find yourself facing one, make sure to work with an experienced probate litigation attorney.

Posted by: Andrew W. Mayoras and Danielle B. Mayoras, co-authors of Trial and Heirs: Famous Fortune Fights! and co-founders of The Center for Probate Litigation and The Center for Elder Law in metro-Detroit, Michigan, which concentrate in probate litigation, estate planning, and elder law. Andrew and Danielle are husband and wife attorneys, professional speakers and consultants across the country.

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Dennis Hopper's deathbed divorce battle getting uglier

Actor Dennis Hopper, at 73 years of age, is dying from cancer. To make matters worse, he is battling in a nasty divorce that pits his three adult children, from prior marriages, against his wife, Victoria Duffy-Hopper (she's number five for Hopper, if you're keeping score), over whether she'll inherit anything when he passes. Here is The Probate Lawyer Blog's prior article on the case.

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Legal Disclaimer

Nothing in this blog should be relied on as legal advice. The information contained herein does not create an attorney/client relationship. The articles posted are intended for entertainment and general information purposes only. Laws vary state by state. Anyone seeking legal advice for a specific situation should consult a qualified probate lawyer or similar qualified professional in the appropriate state.